LIVERPOOL will host the world famous Tall Ships race as part of the city's Capital of Culture celebrations.

LIVERPOOL will host the world famous Tall Ships race as part of the city's Capital of Culture celebrations.

An armada of more than 100 vessels from yachts to 300ft square-rigged ships will grace the River Mersey as Liverpool becomes the host port for the start of the 2008 race.

The maritime extravaganza will see more than one million people visit the city to witness the waterfront spectacle.

The fleet's visit will be one of the highlights of Liverpool's special year.

It was revealed today that the city beat competition from around the world to host the race, which will take in Norway and finish in the Netherlands.

Schooners to cutters will be berthed in the city's historic Albert and Central Docks for four days before the race starts in July.

Liverpool council leader Mike Storey said: "The fact that tall ships will be back on the Mersey in one of the most important years in our history is cause for great celebration.

"We know the tall ships love visiting the Mersey. Our waterfront sets off their magnificent beauty and grace perfectly. Liverpool will give the tall ships fleet a welcome to remember."

More than 3,000 crew members are expected to crowd into the city and they will be housed in an Olympic-style village which will be created at the Albert and Central Docks.

Nigel Rowe, head of Sail Training International which is the Tall Ships' governing body, said: "The city's enthusiasm and plans for the race excited us greatly. We have no doubt all those who visit Liverpool in 2008 for the start of the Tall Ships race will experience a truly stunning festival."

Liverpool's rich maritime legacy, expertise in handling international maritime festivals and extensive programme of cultural activities for the crews convinced the race organisers that Liverpool was the best choice for host port.

* DO you have special memories of the tall ships visits?

Send your memories and pictures of the tall ships in the Mersey on their previous two visits, to Liverpool ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB (don't forget to include a return address for photos).

How the spectacular tall ships brought life and colour to the Mersey>>>

How the spectacular tall ships brought life and colour to the Mersey

THE breathtaking sight of a fleet of tall ships sailing up the River Mersey drew huge crowds on the two previous occasions Liverpool hosted the event.

The Tall Ships spectaculars in 1984 and 1992 attracted record numbers of wellwishers, royalty and celebrities.

Twelve of the world's largest ships were part of the fleet that visited in 1992. Thousands of people lined the streets during a spectacular procession through the city, fireworks lit up the night sky and there was a service at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Sailors from around the world visited the city that built some of the world's most famous liners, frigates and submarines.

Merseyside's love of tall ships has meant that they have become a fixture at the Mersey River Festival.

The 2008 spectacular, which will attract a fleet of up 100 vessels, from 20 countries, with 3,000 to 4,000 crew members aboard, could well go down in Liverpool's history books as the biggest and best tall ships event of all.

Taking place as part of the city's celebrations as Capital of Culture, the waterfront spectacle will join highlights such as the opening of Fourth Grace, special opera and ballet seasons and the £800m Paradise Street development.

David Henshaw, chief executive of Liverpool council, said: "The arrival of the tall ships will be fantastic symbol of Liverpool's renaissance. The tall ships will throw a huge spotlight on our Capital of Culture celebrations.

"The festival will help promote the city to millions across the world and be a huge bonus to the Merseyside economy for many years to come."